Loperamide also has other uses when prescribed by a doctor. See the Imodium factsheet for more information about other uses of loperamide.

How does Diah-Limit work?

Diah-Limit capsules contain the active ingredient loperamide hydrochloride, which is a medicine used to treat diarrhoea. Loperamide is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine. Loperamide works by slowing the muscular contractions of the intestine and so is called an 'antimotility' medicine.

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Loperamide works by acting on opioid receptors that are found in the muscle lining the walls of the intestines. By acting on these receptors, loperamide reduces the muscular contractions of the intestine (called peristalsis) that move food and faecal matter through the gut.

This reduces the speed at which the gut contents are pushed through the intestines, allowing more time for water and electrolytes to be reabsorbed from the gut contents back into the body. This results in firmer stools that are passed less frequently.

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Loperamide can be bought without a prescription to treat acute (sudden and short-lived) episodes of watery diarrhoea in adults. It can also be used to treat diarrhoea associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), after initial diagnosis of IBS by a doctor.

How do I take Diah-Limit?

You should always take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to, or if you have bought it, as directed on the packet or by your pharmacist.

Diah-Limit capsules should be swallowed whole with a drink of water. They can be taken either with or without food.

The usual dose for acute diarrhoea in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over is 4mg (two 2mg capsules) taken straightaway, followed by one 2mg capsule after each episode of diarrhoea.

Do not take more than eight capsules in 24 hours.

Stop taking loperamide as soon as your symptoms settle down.

If your diarrhoea lasts for more than 48 hours, you should consult a doctor if you have not already done so.

Important information about Diah-Limit

DO NOT take this medicine and consult a doctor instead if any of the following apply to you:

if your diarrhoea started either during or after taking a course of antibiotics

if the diarrhoea contains yellow or greenish mucus or blood

if you also have a fever (high temperature).

DO NOT take this medicine for IBS diarrhoea and consult a doctor instead if any of the following apply to you:

if IBS has not been diagnosed by a doctor

if you are aged 40 or over and it is some time since your last IBS attack,or your IBS symptoms are different this time

if you have recently passed blood from the bowel

if you suffer from severe constipation

if you are feeling sick or vomiting

if you have lost your appetite or lost weight

if you have difficulty or pain passing urine

if you have a fever

if you have recently travelled abroad.

Acute diarrhoea makes you lose more fluids and salt than you usually would and can make you dehydrated. This medicine only treats the diarrhoea symptoms and so will not rehydrate you. You should make sure that you drink plenty of fluids while you have diarrhoea, and you may also want to take an oral rehydration therapy, which is a soluble powder containing sugars and salts, to help rehydrate you. This is particularly important for frail and elderly people and children. Rehydration salts can be bought from pharmacies.

If you get any swelling of your stomach or constipation after taking this medicine don't take any further doses and consult your doctor.

If you are taking Diah-Limit to control episodes of diarrhoea associated with IBS diagnosed by your doctor, you should return to your doctor if the pattern of your symptoms changes, you develop new symptoms or your symptoms get worse. You should also return to your doctor if you get repeated episodes of diarrhoea for more than two weeks.

Diah-Limit should not be used by

People with constipation, obstruction of the intestines (ileus), or other conditions where preventing gut movement should be avoided.

People with diarrhoea caused by infection of the gut with bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella or Campylobacter.

People with diarrhoea containing yellow or greenish mucus or blood, or who also have a fever.

People with diarrhoea due to inflammation of the gut caused by antibiotic treatment (antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis).

Diah-Limit is not licensed for use in children under 12 years of age.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Diah-Limit should be used with caution by

People with decreased liver function.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use by pregnant women. If you are pregnant you should seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk in small amounts. It is unlikely to have a harmful effect on a nursing infant if taken for short periods by women who are breastfeeding. However, if you are breastfeeding you should get medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.

Possible side effects of Diah-Limit

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Constipation.

Nausea and vomiting.

Flatulence (wind).

Headache.

Dizziness.

Sleepiness.

Abdominal pain.

Indigestion.

Dry mouth.

Skin reactions such as rash and itch.

Abdominal bloating or swelling.

Paralysis or inactivity of the intestine that stops the movement of material through the gut (paralytic ileus).

Difficulty passing urine.

Fatigue.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you think you have experienced a side effect from a medicine or vaccine you should check the patient information leaflet. This lists the known side effects and what to do if you get them. You can also get advice from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. If they think it''s necessary they'll report it for you.

How can Diah-Limit affect other medicines?

If you are already taking any other medicines, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, it is important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this one as well, to make sure that the combination is safe.

There may be a risk of constipation if this medicine is taken in combination with other medicines that can slow down the movement in the gut, for example opioid painkillers such as codeine.

Loperamide reduces the muscular activity in the gut, while domperidone and metoclopramide speed up the muscular activity in the gut. If taken together these medicines are likely to oppose each other's effects.

Loperamide may increase the absorption of desmopressin taken by mouth.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.

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